One of Ireland’s most celebrated cycling events is heading back to Wexford, with the international women’s race set to mark a major milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary edition.
Stage two of the race will both start and finish in Gorey, putting the Co. Wexford town firmly in the spotlight for what promises to be a landmark occasion in the Irish sporting calendar. It is a fitting location given the history and connection the region has built with the event over the years.
The return to Wexford has been warmly welcomed by local organisers and cycling fans alike, with the 20-year milestone adding an extra layer of significance to what is already one of the standout events in women’s cycling on the island of Ireland. Two decades is no small achievement for any sporting event, and those behind the race will be hoping the anniversary edition delivers the kind of drama and excitement the competition has become known for.
Women’s cycling has grown enormously in profile since the race first took to Irish roads, and the sport looks very different now compared to those early editions. International participation has increased, the standard of competition has risen sharply, and public interest in women’s cycling has never been higher. The anniversary timing could not really be better given how much momentum the sport currently has.
Gorey itself is well set up to host a stage start and finish, with the town centre offering a strong backdrop for both the pre-race atmosphere and the kind of tight, exciting finish that gets crowds going. Wexford as a county has always shown strong support for cycling events passing through, and local communities tend to turn out in good numbers when the race comes to town.
For the riders, a stage beginning and ending in Gorey means a circuit-style route, which typically produces aggressive, attacking racing as teams look to put time into rivals or set up a sprint finish. That format tends to be crowd-friendly and keeps spectators engaged throughout rather than simply waiting for a peloton to flash past once.
The broader race route and full stage details are expected to generate plenty of interest among cycling clubs and supporters across the country. Events like this also bring a welcome boost to local businesses, with teams, support staff, media, and travelling fans all needing accommodation, food, and services during race days.
Organisers will be hoping the 20th anniversary edition attracts strong international entries and builds on the progress made in recent years to raise the race’s profile both at home and abroad. With women’s cycling continuing its upward trajectory globally, a milestone anniversary is a real opportunity to push the event to the next level and cement its place on the international calendar.
For Wexford and Gorey in particular, hosting a stage of this significance is a point of pride, and if the past is anything to go by, the locals will make sure the riders and visitors feel very welcome when the race rolls into town.